Google announces big expansion for Jackson County data center

Google announced a significant $1.5 billion investment over the next two years to expand its data center in Jackson County, Alabama. The facility, located in Bridgeport on the site of the TVA's former Widows Creek coal plant, aims to boost infrastructure capacity, support local education programs, and generate thousands of construction and clean energy jobs in the region.

The expansion includes new investments in clean energy, such as over 400 megawatts of solar power added to the TVA grid and a partnership with TVA and Cairo's Power for advanced nuclear energy. Michael Terrell, Google's head of advanced energy, highlighted the site as a national model for transforming old fossil fuel infrastructure into clean energy engines, fostering 24/7 clean, affordable electricity and local investment.

In addition to the data center expansion, Google also announced a $2 million energy impact fund to finance weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades for local schools and lower-income households. A further $550,000 donation will provide STEM education kits to students in the Jackson County School District. State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston praised Google's continued investment for its positive impact on families, students, and businesses.

Local leaders, including Bridgeport Mayor David Bubba Hughes and Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Rhoden, expressed gratitude for Google's commitment. Mayor Hughes noted how previous Google investments helped build a new city park and stimulate local businesses, while Rhoden emphasized that each Google job supports nine other jobs in the community, with nearly 2,000 construction workers expected during the expansion phase.